Entry-Level Physician Assistant Salary in Catonsville, MD: $113,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physician assistants entering the Catonsville, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $113,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Catonsville's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $103,621 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,505) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physician assistant field in Catonsville, Maryland, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $113,258, which marks a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $146,505. For new grad physician assistants in MD, this entry-level compensation sets a realistic foundation, especially when considering the potential growth within the first few years of practice. From the initial P10 figure, it’s reasonable to expect that earnings will progress towards $133,051 at the 25th percentile, eventually aiming for the median salary as experience accumulates. Given these prospects, Catonsville presents itself as a favorable market for recent graduates eager to embark on their careers in this dynamic healthcare role.
About the Catonsville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Catonsville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Catonsville
Entry-level physician assistants in Catonsville, MD typically start between $113,258 and $133,051 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $84,711 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,505 — 4.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physician assistant program cost in Maryland of $105,000 represents just 92.71% of the starting physician assistant pay ($113,258/year) in Catonsville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ARC-PA accredited master's-level PA programs. Most PA programs run 27-30 months and include didactic and clinical rotation phases. Public in-state programs are the most affordable option; private programs in high-cost metros can approach $150k. Totals reflect tuition and program fees only; PANCE certification exam fees are separate.
PA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Catonsville
- 1Research the Catonsville market: entry-level physician assistant pay ranges from $113,258 to $133,051, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physician assistant field — employers in MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Catonsville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Catonsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Catonsville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physician Assistant Compensation Range
The physician assistant wage spread in Catonsville is $84,711 ( 74.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $113,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $197,969.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,212
2025 BLS Actual
$109,619
2026 Current Est.
$113,258
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Catonsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,602 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,019 | Projected |
Entry-level physician assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Catonsville, MD grew 36.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $80,212 in 2019 to $109,619 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $117,019. New graduates entering the Catonsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Catonsville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physician assistant Career in Catonsville
Employed settings in Catonsville that often welcome new graduate physician assistants include primary care and urgent care facilities, where structured onboarding programs are common. Those looking to specialize, particularly in surgical subspecialties, might find more rigorous recruitment through residency or fellowship pipelines. New grads should also focus on obtaining essential credentials such as a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program, NCCPA national certification (PA-C), a state PA license, and DEA registration, as these credentials can elevate their starting pay. Moreover, those aiming for positions within surgical settings—especially orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery—should understand that they can garner the highest salaries through first-assist billing opportunities. Engaging with the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) will also provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities, while embracing the Optimal Team Practice model could enhance collaborative care experiences. Realistically, new physician assistants in this market can expect their earnings to rise steadily as they establish their professional footing and attract higher pay across their first three years in practice.
More salary data for Catonsville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physician assistants in Catonsville in 2026?
How fast do physician assistant salaries grow in Catonsville?
Is physician assistant school worth it in Catonsville?
What do new physician assistants make right out of school in Catonsville?
How do I become a physician assistant in Maryland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physician assistant graduates. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Catonsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Catonsville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov